slacken

/ˈslækən/ (bre, ipa) · [slˈækən] /ˈslækən/ (ame, ipa) · [slˈækən] /ˈsla-kən How to pronounce slacken (audio)/ (ame, mw)

slacken — verb

  • slackenpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • slackenshe / she / it
  • slackenedpast simple
  • slackening-ing form

1. to become less tight so that it hangs or sits more loosely, or to cause this cha

1.動詞及物 / 不及物C1
釋義

to become less tight so that it hangs or sits more loosely, or to cause this change

例句

Hari slackened the strap on his backpack after the hike ended.

collocation: slacken + strap / rope / tie

The wet rope slackened overnight and dropped lower across the dock.

同義詞
  • loosen

    The closest everyday verb, especially for making something less tight

  • ease

    Often suggests reducing tension or pressure more gently

  • relax

    Common for muscles or rules, but less direct for ropes and straps

反義詞
  • tighten

    Make something more tight or more firmly held

  • pull tight

    Emphasises drawing something firm rather than loosening it

文法句型

slacken + noun phrase (rope, strap, tie, knot)

something slackens

用法筆記

Object is usually a rope, strap, knot, or piece of clothing that was tight before. Distinguish from sense 2, which is about pace, effort, or demand dropping rather than physical tension loosening.

2. to drop in speed, force, or activity, or to bring about that change

2.動詞及物 / 不及物C1
釋義

to drop in speed, force, or activity, or to bring about that change

例句

After lunch, the repair team slackened its pace in the hot sun.

collocation: slacken + pace

Demand usually slackens after the holiday shopping season ends.

同義詞
  • slow

    Broader and more everyday, but less specific about effort or intensity easing

  • ease off

    More informal and often suggests a gradual reduction

  • let up

    Common for rain, pressure, or pain becoming less strong

  • wane

    More literary and often used for feelings, influence, or interest fading

反義詞
  • intensify

    Become stronger or more active instead of easing

  • quicken

    Move faster rather than slowing or weakening

文法句型

slacken + noun phrase (pace, effort, pressure)

something slackens

用法筆記

Subject is often pace, demand, rain, traffic, pressure, or effort as it becomes weaker or slower over time. Distinguish from sense 1, which is about something physical becoming loose.